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About The Author

Susan Axelrod

Susan Axelrod's food writing career began in the kitchen; she owned a restaurant and catering business for 15 years before turning to journalism. By day, she is the social media editor for Portland Press Herald. To relax, she bakes, gardens and hikes with her husband and their two dogs, preferably followed by a cocktail or a Maine beer.
Susan can be contacted at 791-6310 or saxelrod@mainetoday.com
On Twitter: @susansaxelrod

More than syrup: A Maine Maple Sunday visitors guide

Written by: Susan Axelrod

Hallmarks of Maine Maple Sunday. Press Herald file photos

On Maine Maple Sunday, March 23, nearly 90 of the state’s maple syrup producers will welcome visitors, opening the doors to steaming, sweetly scented operations ranging from tiny backyard sugar “shacks” to large commercial ventures. While a few of these are in far flung corners of the state, most are within a two-hour drive of Portland. But with such a huge number of choices, it can still be hard to decide just where to go. To help, we’ve made suggestions based on what there is to do and see in addition to tasting syrup and warming up next to the boiling sap — both of which are part of the scene at every stop. For a complete list of Maine Maple Sunday participants, with a handy map, see mainemapleproducers.com.

The sugarhouse at Megquier Farm. Press Herald file photo

Live music

Megquier Hill Farm260 Megquier Hill Rd., Poland |207-998-5485
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Take a hay wagon ride down to the sugarhouse for a pancake breakfast, accompanied by bluegrass music by the Grassholes Band. The farm sells a big variety of maple products, including cotton candy, kettle corn and other treats.

Making maple syrup the old-fashioned way at Merrifield Farm. Press Herald file photo

Lots to see

Merrifield Farms195 North Gorham Rd., Gorham | 207-892-5061
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
From the giant black kettles of maple sap suspended from a log over a fire to blacksmithing and ox-pulling demos, there is plenty of history on display, making this an ideal stop for families with kids (or anyone else who is easily bored.) Among the many maple products for sale: maple soft serve ice cream.

With a French-Canadian accent

Cabane a Sucre Bergeron321 Merrill Hill Rd., Hebron | 207-966-2654
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sugar on snow, aka maple taffy or “tire” in French, is a specialty of this small family operation, as are crepes, served to the sound of French-Canadian music.

Gluten-free

Velvet Hollow Sugar Works/Duham Farm29 Dunham Rd., Greenwood | 207-665-2967
Sunday: Breakfast 8:30 – 11 a.m. Sugarhouse open until 3 p.m.
The blueberry pancakes served with maple syrup here are gluten-free, as are all of the other baked goods; the farm also operates a gluten-free bakery.